Maid

BARACK OBAMA'S SUMMER READING PICK, 2019.

BBC RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEK.

Maid by Stephanie Land is a riveting memoir that delves deep into the harsh realities of living in poverty while striving for a better life. The book chronicles Stephanie's arduous journey as a single mother, juggling multiple low-wage jobs, including cleaning the houses of the affluent, to ensure a stable environment for her daughter. It’s a compelling narrative that combines the grit of poverty with a powerful testament to resilience and determination.

Akin to the stark observations in EDUCATED and the unflinching honesty of NICKEL AND DIMED, Land’s story paints a vivid picture of the socioeconomic divide in modern America. The memoir starts with a poignant moment from Stephanie's life: "My daughter learned to walk in a homeless shelter." This sets the tone for a gripping exploration of the challenges faced by millions in the western world, struggling to make ends meet.

As a single mother, Stephanie embarks on a journey fraught with challenges. She works tirelessly as a maid, scrubbing the bathrooms and floors of the privileged, while simultaneously navigating the complex systems of government assistance, higher education, and subsidised housing. Yet, amidst these hurdles, Stephanie never loses sight of her dream—to provide a better life for herself and her daughter. Her evocative prose sheds light on the plight of the overworked and underpaid, giving a voice to those who are often unseen and unheard.

In Maid, Land reveals the invisible workforce that sustains the lifestyles of the wealthy. Her honest, heart-wrenching prose provides valuable insight into the lives of domestic workers, challenging readers to consider the human cost of their comfort. By sharing her story, Stephanie becomes an advocate for the "servant" worker, those who daily battle to survive and secure a future for their children. As she poignantly writes, "I'd become a nameless ghost." Through this memoir, she reclaims her narrative, offering a powerful reminder of the dignity and humanity at the heart of every worker’s story.

This memoir also includes a foreword by acclaimed author Barbara Ehrenreich, who praised Land’s unflinching portrayal of her struggle. With its honest storytelling and critical insights, Maid is not just a memoir but a clarion call for social justice and empathy.